Personal Qualities and Obligations of UN Police Officers
“We are actively recruiting female police officers, particularly at a senior level, in order to address this gender disparity in policing. As peacekeeping operations become more multi-dimensional, greater representation of women is needed to strengthen our ability to carry out mandates.”
Ann-Marie Orler, Police Commissioner
UN Deputy-Police Adviser 2009
Personal Qualities
- Good judgment, supported by a common-sense approach to problem-solving;
- Objective attitude, displaying tact and impartiality;
- Polite demeanour, combined with a firm but flexible and honest approach;
- Considerable self-discipline and patience;
- A friendly, open approach to other nationalities and a ready sense of humour;
- Ability to influence others, resulting from imagination and persuasiveness; and
- Demonstrable leadership skills.
Obligations
UN Police Officers must:
- Perform their duties solely in the interests of the UN, acting so as to recognise the needs and interests of the host country and its people, and acting with strict impartiality, integrity, independence and tact;
- Respect the laws of the host country in so far as they do not conflict with internationally recognized human rights standards, UN rules and regulations and other relevant procedures;
- Not abuse or exploit individual members of the local population, in particular women and children. Sexual exploitation and abuse are strictly prohibited. For more information see the Conduct and Discipline Unit;
- Neither solicit nor accept any material reward, honour or gift from any source other than the UN;
- Treat UN property with care and not trade, sell or use such property for personal benefit;
- Exercise utmost discretion in all matters of official business and not communicate to an unauthorized person any information known to them by reason of their official position nor at any time use such information to their private advantage;
- Not accept instructions from sources external to the UN;
- Show courtesy and respect to all other UN mission personnel; and
- Observe internationally recognized human rights standards and not discriminate against any person on any grounds.
Continuing Education
Thousands of United Nations Police Officers continue their education through low-cost and in some cases free self-paced, e-learning courses on UN peace support and humanitarian relief operations offered by the Peace Operations Training Institute.
Currently 22 courses are offered in a variety of languages and are available for enrolment and study through the Internet. In 2008, 4,500 UN Police personnel enrolled in courses including the course, "United Nations Police: Restoring Order Following Hostilities," which covers a range of UN Police activities including negotiation, mediation and hijacking. Another popular course is Gender Perspectives in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, covering conceptual and operational issues involved in integrating a gender perspective in complex peace operations.
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